An Exhilarating Experience in Edinburgh Past Review
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/08/2014 to 05/23/2014 with
IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh
Overall I absolutely loved my study abroad experience, mainly because I love to travel. I'm really glad I finally got to experience the UK academic system first hand because I hear a lot about it from friends who are permanent students there. However, I was not that impressed with the Informatics department at the University of Edinburgh and the rain and cold in Scotland were a little too much for me. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful country and Edinburgh is such a charming city, but I'm wishing now I had studied abroad in a country that forced me to learn another language and was a bit warmer.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academic rigor of this program greatly depends on your field of study. I found that the math and science courses required more work than the humanities courses. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt that they made themselves very accessible. Any questions or concerns were immediately addressed via email or phone call. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I absolutely loved my housing arrangements. I lived in Darroch Court, a university self-catered flat, with four other girls. All of my roommates were permanent students-- majority were British. The facilities were excellent as this is a relatively new accommodation. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Overall very safe but if you're walking back late at night, on a weekday-- say after 12-- from the university, it's pretty deserted even on some of the main streets. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
I don't remember exactly how much I spent weekly but it could easily get very expensive if you weren't seeking out the best deals and inquiring about student discounts. The dollar is very weak in relation to the pound, so if you're going out every night and drinking, your wallet will empty out pretty fast. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | A lot of places offer student discounts, so don't be afraid to ask. If you're the type to spend a lot, make a budget. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known more about the academic structure of classes for Informatics students in their third year at the university. |
